Sometimes it’s nice to venture out. Out of the same old restaurants, bars and life style. Picking it up a notch once a while and extending your budget is harmless right? Yeah, I thought so too.

Walking into the Esquire Grill was a bit intimidating. The first thing you notice about the restaurant is the clientele. No sign of college students anywhere, the tables are seated with business suits and cocktail dresses, which went perfectly with my ripped jeans and fitted tee. As a first note, the establishment is a bit dressy.

After the initial intimidation, and on the path to being seated, the second thing you notice is the romantic and artsy decor. The restaurant is dark, with candle lighting and the walls are covered with colorful art pieces that balance the neutral colors of the walls.

All of the seats, both chairs and booths are a deep chocolate and the tables are covered by beige satin material that’s placed under wine glasses and spot free white china. On a second note, I don’t know about the food yet, but Esquire Grill’s set up is very impressive.

The service is very prompt and helpful. After being seated for only a minute or two, we were politely greeted and the initial welcoming attitude was constant throughout the meal. Our server suggested drinks and his list of favorites on the menu helped out on the final decisions for each course.

A great appetizer, but a bit filling, is the Barbequed Pork Quesadilla, $8.25. A twist from the normal chicken quesadilla, this appetizer was served hot, with melted cheese and a spicy avocado salsa.

Next up were our entrees. Our server suggested the Grilled Wild King Salmon for $19.00 and I was happy I went with it. The salmon was lightly crusted and covered with a ginger soy glaze, and not too salty. Each entree is served with a potato of your choice. Any additional side is priced at $3.25 to $5.25.

Another impressive dish is the Chicken Pasta, for $11.25. The pasta is lightly sauced with Alfredo and the chicken marinated in lemon butter. This entree was definitely a favorite of mine. I would have continued to indulge in these two tasty dishes but I wanted to save room for the much talked about Valrhona Chocolate Layer cake for $6.50.

If you’re like me, you might envision a high-staked, warm, moist, melt-in-your-mouth kind of deal right? You know, the type of dessert that leaves you without guilt, in a good mood for the rest of the night, and so worth the calories. Well, sadly, after two bites I was spent. The dessert was disappointing. Not moist and melting like I had imagined, in fact, it tasted refrigerated and a bit on the plain side. The dessert was not impressive at all and did not compare to the appetizers and main dishes whatsoever. As a third note: Don’t save room for dessert.

If it hadn’t been for the not so up to par chocolate cake, the Esquire Grill, located at 1213 K St., would have definitely received an impressive five out of five stars. The restaurant decor, the menu items – unique but familiar and the great service were all worth breaking my budget. However next time I think I’ll skip on dessert.

Overall, the Esquire Grill is a great place for a date, dinner meeting or just a few cocktails at the bar. Enjoy your self; just make sure to bring a full wallet.

Rating: 4 Stars

All of Jessica’s dining and nightlife reviews are held to this rating system :

1 Star : Stay at home.

2 Stars : Not worth the gas money.

3 Stars : If there’s nothing else to do –

4 Stars : Better than most.

5 Stars : Proves that Sacramento is more than just a cowtown.

Jessica Rojo can be reached at [email protected]